CELLAR UP

WINES TO SHAPE YOUR CELLAR

While some sources place the earliest wine cellars in Israel, the French are the first to purposefully dig subterranean 'caves' to protect their wine as it ages. As a result, French wines were the first to be stored in this way and continue to be the most common wines found in cellars of all descriptions. When we talk to Opimian Members throughout the country, the same holds true. Our wine collections, both big and small, feature many of the wines you'll see here. Our suggestions here are a sure-fire way to add both value and diversity to your very own selections. Take some or all of our recommendations, and when it comes time to choose and open a bottle, you'll simply not be able to make the wrong choice. Each and every one of these bottles is intended for that drinking occasion.

CÉCILE LEBRUN CRÉMANT DE LOIRE BRUT, AOC CRÉMANT DE LOIRE, LOT 3586, P43

Crémant is essentially sparkling wine made in France, anywhere but Champagne. Made in the same traditional method, Crémant de Loire exhibits the same fine mousse and sensory characteristics as its Champagne cousin – just at a much lower price.

Château Canet figured out Picpoul before many others. Rarely produced in a single varietal, this unique white comes in a bottle designed specifically for this AOC. The well-balanced, dry wine inside is worthy of the special bottle.

LIGHT-BODIED WHITE

White/light fish, sipping on its own

PICPOUL DE PINET, TÊTE DE CUVÉE, AOP PICPOUL DE PINET, 2021, LOT 3539, P15

ROSÉ

Most appetizers, sipping on its own, the back deck

DOMAINE TOUR CAMPANETS BOIS DES FÉES, ROSÉ, AOP COTEAUX D'AIX , LOT 3583, P37

While Provence is no longer just rosé, there is a reason it’s known for it. The terroir and the climate are perfectly suited to produce this dry wine with a kiss of colour from the skins of the grape. Rosés are gaining traction with wine drinkers worldwide. Let this lovely bottle transport you to the countryside of southern France.

MEDIUM-BODIED RED

Versatile; many meats without heavy sauces, casseroles

CHÂTEAU CANET, AOP MINERVOIS, ROUGE, 2021, LOT 3542 AND 3543, P16

Minervois takes its name from its Appellation. Well known in LanguedocRoussillon for its lovely nose and smooth palate, this Syrah and Grenache blend will become a go-to wine in your cellar for a wide range of occasions. The magnum is an affordable way to make a splash the next time you entertain.

As spirits and cocktails continue to trend upward, Cognac is no longer just for sipping in an overstuffed wingback chair with a cigar. Every bar should include a bottle of Cognac in the mix. This icon of brandy has been a premium selection for ages.

...AND FOR YOUR BAR

Cognac

COGNAC CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE, VIEILLE RÉSERVE NO. 1, AOC COGNAC, LOT 3522, P52